May 24, 2004

THE CHIEF SHEPHERD

"When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:4, NIV).

The portrait of Christ the Shepherd, has captured the imagination and stirred the souls of millions of devotees. It has become the inspiration for stirring sermons, great literature, artistic masterpieces, and magnificent music. It has brought comfort and hope to Christians in every age.

In Scripture, the figure of the shepherd is repeatedly applied to Jesus. He is called the Good Shepherd, the Gentle Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd. To the apostle Peter, Christ is "the Chief Shepherd." This is the only time in Scripture that this title is applied to Jesus.

Jesus has earned this title. He is the trustworthy shepherd who gave His very life for His sheep. He is the shepherd who constantly provides for His flock. He is the gentle and loving shepherd who carries the lambs in His arms. He is the strong shepherd that defends and protects His flock. He is the solicitous shepherd who daily leads His flock to green pastures and tranquil streams of water. He is the kind shepherd who never leaves nor forsakes His flock.

Peter urged the flock to fix their eyes on the glorious return of the Chief Shepherd. Then he held out a powerful incentive for faithfulness, the grand reward, the "crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:4, NIV). This reward is to be personally awarded by the Chief Shepherd Himself. "However lowly, however elevated we may be, whether we are in the shadow of adversity or in the sunshine of prosperity, we are His sheep, the flock of His pasture, and under the care of the Chief Shepherd."--In Heavenly Places, p. 25.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I await the return of the Chief Shepherd. Make me worthy of the crown of glory that will never fade. Amen.